After nearly 20 years of leading his own design firm and making countless dreams come true with his gorgeous interior decorating skills, you would think designer and expectant dad Nate Berkus would be brimming with inspiration for his first baby’s nursery. And while that may be true, Berkus, 43, is waiting until the baby is born this spring to turn those ideas into design.

“I’m Jewish, so we don’t decorate the nursery before the baby’s born,” he told PEOPLE.

In September, Berkus and his husband, Jeremiah Brent, announced the exciting news on Facebook that they were expecting via a surrogate: “We have had the most special year and its JUST become even more beautiful. We are happy to announce that we are expecting our first child!”

The pair, who married in May 2014 after two years of dating, added they “can’t share much,” and that’s likely because, following Jewish tradition, they have decided to reveal as little as possible about their future son or daughter until the baby’s arrival.

Jewish custom suggests that drawing attention to a baby before birth brings bad luck, so parents-to-be tend to wait until the delivery room to find out a baby’s gender, and often don’t even reveal they are pregnant to those outside their immediate family until they have a visible bump.

More religiously observant Jews will also typically avoid discussing baby names and hosting pre-birth celebrations like baby showers. As the due date nears, expectant parents may shop for newborn essentials, but it’s customary to wait until the baby is born before bringing these items into the home or showering new parents with gifts.

We already know that Berkus has impeccable taste when it comes to designing chic nurseries, so we can’t wait to see what he’ll do for Baby Berkus-Brent.

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6 Subtle Ways to Work Floral Accents Into Baby’s Nurseryhttp://blog.thebump.com/2014/03/27/6-subtle-ways-to-work-floral-accents-into-babys-nursery/
http://blog.thebump.com/2014/03/27/6-subtle-ways-to-work-floral-accents-into-babys-nursery/#commentsThu, 27 Mar 2014 16:52:19 +0000http://blog.thebump.com/?p=22073]]>Loving all the floral designs you’ve seen lately? Us too. But is there a way to incorporate these colorful creations into your nursery space without it looking like someone puked up gardenias and roses all over the walls and the carpeting? Yep! From lamps and wallpaper to plush pillows and bedding, your baby’s nursery is about to get one big bouquet of a makeover (and we’ll show you how).

]]>http://blog.thebump.com/2014/03/27/6-subtle-ways-to-work-floral-accents-into-babys-nursery/feed/0http://i2.wp.com/xothebump.files.wordpress.com/2014/03/untitled-81.jpg?resize=214%2C148http://blog.thebump.com/2014/03/27/6-subtle-ways-to-work-floral-accents-into-babys-nursery/
9 Simple Steps to Setting Up A Montessori-Style Toddler Bedroomhttp://blog.thebump.com/2014/02/24/9-simple-steps-to-setting-up-a-montessori-style-toddler-bedroom/
http://blog.thebump.com/2014/02/24/9-simple-steps-to-setting-up-a-montessori-style-toddler-bedroom/#commentsMon, 24 Feb 2014 17:00:43 +0000http://blog.thebump.com/?p=20774]]>There was a time when I thought I had all the details worked out in regards to my son’s nursery. Then we sold our house and moved across town into another one which put me back at square one. It was a little daunting at first, but I soon began to realize what a great opportunity I had at my fingertips. Rather than mourning his old room, I had the opportunity to create a new room, a room catered to a toddler rather than a newborn. Let’s all be honest for a second, a toddler’s needs are much different from an infants.

I set out for some inspiration and stumbled across a few Montessori-style toddler rooms. According to Maria Montessori, “We must give the child an environment that he can utilize by himself: a little washstand of his own, a bureau with drawers he can open, objects of common use that he can operate, a small bed in which he can sleep at night under an attractive blanket he can fold and spread by himself. We must give him an environment in which he can live and play; then we will see him work all day with his hands and wait impatiently to undress himself and lay himself down on his own bed,” so a Montessori-style room is space where everything is within a child’s reach — and designed to cater to and foster personal growth.

At first I was startled by them because there was never a crib in sight. However, as I began learning about the reasoning behind the bed and the rest of the room’s set up, I was slowly brought on board. I knew that I wanted to try out a Montessori-style room with our son. (Keep in mind that I am not a Montessori-method expert by any means — this is just this mama’s take on it!)

Check out the gallery to see how it has turned out (so far) and some of the steps I took to make it happen. We are all loving it at our house!

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5 Hottest Nursery Colors You’ll See This Yearhttp://blog.thebump.com/2014/01/27/5-hottest-nursery-colors-youll-see-this-year-2/
http://blog.thebump.com/2014/01/27/5-hottest-nursery-colors-youll-see-this-year-2/#commentsMon, 27 Jan 2014 12:00:56 +0000http://blog.thebump.com/?p=20581]]>You’ve been pinning nursery paint colors trying to figure out which hues will look fabulous in baby’s room. But have you thought of these yet? Probably not! These are the hottest colors for baby’s space, from calm and cool to bold and beautiful.

Punchy Purple

Why we love it: Since radiant orchid was named Pantone’s 2014 Color of the Year, purple hues have been popping up all over the place — especially as a shade for nursery walls. Purple is vivid and bold but still relaxing enough for a sleep space. Since the color is so stand-out, stick to neutrals in the furniture and accessories.

Why we love it: Mint is perfect for parents who are keeping baby’s gender a surprise, since it works for a boy or a girl. In summer, it’s cool and refreshing and in winter, it’s totally serene. Complement mint with natural beige or white — or go bold with orange or black accents.

Why we love it: If you’re having a boy, you’ve probably considered baby blue, but don’t discount a welcoming navy. It adds a touch of sophistication to baby’s room (so you may not have to repaint as baby grows up) and can lend a clean, nautical vibe. Contrast this blue with metallic gold or yellow accents that really pop.

Why we love it: Rich jewel tones like jade and emerald are a huge style do this year. We first spotted them in fashion, then on baby gear and now, they’re hitting walls in a big way. The shade, since it works for baby boys or girls, is a peppy way to glam up a nursery. It’s high-end and retro. Add lots of funky accessories, like vintage lamps and faux-fur rugs.

Why we love it: Gray has been around as an accent hue for a few years but now we’re starting to see it as the main nursery color. Instead of going for gray-and-pink bedding or gray accent pillows, consider starting with a gray wall. Then, add accessories in just about any color — get creative!

Nontraditional takes on this nursery staple have been showing up on all our favorite Pinterest boards – and we love the fresh take on an old classic! Plus, just how out-of-this-world is this globe-inspired mobile? It was completely DIYed and a totally fun redefinition of the traditional baby mobile. (If you make your own, just make sure the hanging objects are tightly secured!)

Photo: Becky Rosenthal

Tons of Texture

Another style we’ve noticed that’s getting a serious makeover? Baby blankets, rugs and toys. Instead of boring textiles, we’re layers with different touch-worthy surfaces. Think: Plush toys, faux-fur rugs, felt hangings, leather gliders and velvet ottomans. It just goes to show you that you don’t have to play it safe on decor just because you’re having a baby.

Photo: Ulrika Kukkenberg

Basic Black

You don’t typically think of black as your go-to for nursery furniture and accessories, but if the basic color in fashion is making a splash in nursery décor. We first saw the style making a statement in celebrity nurseries, but more and more, modern moms and dads have been tastefully working black into their baby spaces. And seriously — how chic is this room? Just take it easy: Don’t paint a wall all black. Instead, use hints of black here and there (like on this chair and mobile) to add a punch of posh.

Photo: Katri Kapanen

High-End Art

Go to your favorite art gallery for inspiration! This year, both abstract and high-end artwork is making an appearance in nursery spaces like never before. Nope, you don’t have to feel limited to alphabet murals and framed lullaby lyrics. If you’ve got a seriously curated eye for art, let it shine in baby’s space. Choose playful, dreamy prints over the heavier stuff.

Photo: Estee Stanle

Wild Wallpaper

Oh yeah, you read that correctly! Wallpaper is making a serious splash and where better to put it than in baby’s room? Say goodbye to the painted statement wall and help to the papered wall! It adds instant personality (the floral print totally makes the room!) and can be completely affordable. Go funky (we’ve seen fish-inspired designs) or classic (like this floral pattern) to fit your taste, but trust us, it’s a décor win!

Photo: Oeuf NYC

Wood Flooring

One thing to love about the evolution of nursery style this year is the bigger, bolder choices that parents-to-be are making. The latest we love? Wood floors. You wouldn’t think they’d be a go-to for baby-safe flooring, but adding a stylish no-slip rug keeps the space classy, yet infant-friendly. Since baby’s nursery is temporary (he won’t be a baby forever — sorry!), having the room be ready to go in any direction (office, kid’s room, play room) makes a future redesign possible.

Photo: Vic Bibby

Two-Tone Drapes

Remember the days where parents picked just one color for baby’s window treatments? Well this year, two-toned drapes are making a splash. And don’t be shy: It’s okay to pair these bold accessories with patterned walls.

Photo: Rachel Hollis

Metallic Polka Dots

Polka-dots are popping up all over nursery walls, but they’ve gotten a luxurious makeover — instead of pale pink and baby blue, they’re in rich metallic — and they’re not just for baby girl spaces. Polka-dots work for baby boys and even a gender neutral space when they’re metallic. We’re head over heels for gold and silver spots!

Welcome to our 2013 Bumpie Best countdown! We’re highlighting the most talked about, most stylish and most amazing new mom, pregnancy and fertility moments that have taken place over the past year. Wondering which celeb mama we most admired in 2013? Or which nursery trend was most loved by moms-to-be? Stay tuned, y’all! We’re rolling though the most defining moments the Year of the Snake brought us.

2013′s Most Creative Baby Shower Theme Was…

A space invasion! Okay, okay, I know what you’re thinking, but how on earth could we ever say no to this Space Invador-themed shower for mama-to-be? The brainiacs behind InspiredByThis.com whipped up this futuristic shower for a friend that played on her nursery colors (yellow, grey, orange and blue). And though something so high-tech could go one way or the other, everything from the table decor and the centerpieces to the food and the invites was done in pure robo-excellence!

Welcome to our 2013 Bumpie Best countdown! We’re highlighting the most talked about, most stylish and most amazing new mom, pregnancy and fertility moments that have taken place in 2013. Wondering which celeb mama we most admired in 2013? Or which nursery trend was most loved by moms-to-be? Stay tuned, y’all! We’re rolling though the most defining moments the Year of the Snake brought us.

2013′s Hottest Nursery Trend Was…

Chevron! Duh. The trend hit it big in the fashion realm first and then took over as a staple in the home decor world. When we saw moms- and dads-to-be using the design in their nurseries, we were pretty damn excited. It’s so chic! So lovely! So stylish! We just couldn’t help ourselves.

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7 Fun Shabby Chic Finds That Will Look Fabulous In Baby’s Nurseryhttp://blog.thebump.com/2013/11/19/fun-vintage-finds-that-will-look-fabulous-in-your-nursery/
http://blog.thebump.com/2013/11/19/fun-vintage-finds-that-will-look-fabulous-in-your-nursery/#commentsTue, 19 Nov 2013 20:27:18 +0000http://blog.thebump.com/?p=19709]]>A nursery should be two things: Classy and fabulous. (Or is that women?) Err, anyway, a stylish space for baby doesn’t need to be decked floor-to-ceiling in custom baby duds. Instead, use that sophisticated eye to shop for eclectic pieces that could work in any room of your home — nursery and beyond.

Check out some of the trendy, creative pieces we’re crushing on — hard! — right now: